Combination switch



April 6, 1954 R. E. CLUEB ETAL 2,674,664

A COMBINATION swITcH Filed April 17, 1950 /lw/fNroes: Por' E. Cl. U65,JasEP/f ,0. VEN/A24 Patented Apr. 6, 1954 OFFICE COMBINATION SWITCH RoyE. Clubb and Joseph P. Vennari, St. Louis, Mo.

Application April 17, 1950, Serial No. 156,456

Claims. 1

The present invention relates generally to the switch art and moreparticularly to a novel combination time controlled and manuallyoperable electric switch of a size to be contained within the standardswitch and receptacle box.

In one form, the combination switch comprises a housing containing apair of terminal posts and two electrical circuits, each of whichincludes a switch element, contained within the housing and connected inparallel between the two terminal posts. In one circuit the switchelement therein is actuated .by a manually operable lever which is movedto one position to open the circuit and another position to close it. Inthe other circuit, the switch element is automatically actuated by alever which is pivotally mounted within the housing and movable betweena first and second position, the lever opening the switch element whenit is in the rst position. The automatically operable lever is manuallymovable from the rst position to the second position and when it is somoved, it compresses a spring which urges it tcward the rst position soas to actuate the switch element. Means are :provided for controllingthe rate of movement of this lever toward the rst position, which, inthe preferred form, is a watch type escapement mechanism. A frictionclutch connects the last named means with the lever so that the lattercan be manually moved between the two positions, and particularly fromthe rst to second position, without adversely affecting the mechanismcontrolling the rate of movement of the lever toward the first position.

There are numerous time controlled switches in use at the present timewhich actuate a switch element after a predetermined period of time haselapsed, but most of these are very large and expensive, and are notparticularly advantageous for use by the average home owner.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a novelcombination switch for controlling lighting circuits and the like, whichis inexpensive and which contains both a time control actuator and amanually operable actuator.

Another object is to provide a combination switch of this type which isof a size to lit within the standard switch and receptacle box so thatit can be used with existing equipment.

Another object is to provide a combination switch in which the accuracyof the time interval controlled by the position of the time controllever, is maintained within predetermined limits.

Other objects are to provide a combination switch which is compact insize, rugged in ccnstruction, and which is relatively inexpensive tomanufacture.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawing wherein a preferred embodiment of the present invention isshown, in which:

Fig. l is a top plan View of a combination switch embodying theteachings of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational View of the switch;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view taken from the right of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional View taken on the line 4--4 inFig. 2, showing the time control lever in the inoperative or offposition;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 5-5 inFig. 2, showing the manually operable lever in the inoperative or "oiTposition;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken on the line 6--6in Fig. 3, a portion of the watch mechanism case being broken away toshow tho clutch housing;

Fig. '7 is a vertical transverse Sectional view taken on the line '1 -Iin Fig. 5, showing the cam member in the operative position whereby itopens the time control circuit of the switch;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary View similar to Fig. 7, the lower half beingomitted to conserve space, but showing the cam member in the inoperativeposition, whereby the time controlled circuit of the switch is closed;

Fig. 9 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 9 9 inFig. 5, the cam member being shown in the operative position, as in Fig.7;

Figs. l0 and 11 are horizontal sectional views taken on the lines IIJ-l0and I I-l l, respectively, in Fig. 5;

Fig. 12 is a perspective View oi' the manually operable dog;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged elevational view of the clutch and clutchhousing, shown removed from the watch mechanism case;

Fig. 14 is a horizontal sectional view taken on tho line lll-lli in Fig.13; and

Fig. l5 is a schematic wiring diagram of the switch.

Referring to the drawing more particularly by reference numerals, 2liindicates generally a combination switch constructed in accordance withthe teachings of the present invention.

The switch 2li includes a main housing 22 which has a U-shaped wall 2liwhich forms the top, baci; and bottom portions of the housing (Fig. 4).

A somewhat semicircular shaped side wall del is formed integral with theU-shaped wall 2li at the left side as viewed in Figs. 2, 7 and 9.

Flange portions 28 (Fig. 4) extend upwardly and downwardly from theU-shaped wall 2Q at the iront of the housing 22 and contain openings Siitherein for mounting the device in a standard switch and receptacle box,as will appear.

Formed integral with the housing 22 at the junction of the flangeportion 2li and the U-shaped wall 24 are a pair of bosses 32 whichcontain openings 34.

A somewhat semicircular shaped wall is re- 3 movably fastened to theright side of the housing 22 by bolts 38 which are disposed in theopenings 34.

A shoulder IIE (Eigsl 7. and 9) is formed' adjacent the bottom of thehousing 22 at the junction of the left side wall 2 B with the bottomportion of the U-shaped wall 24.

Disposed between the two side walls i-and 35 is a central wall 42, thebottom endv of which is disposed adjacent the shoulder andthe upper endthereof is maintained in spaced position by a first threaded terminalpost 431` (Fig. 9)- which. extends through the left side wall 26. Asshown.

in Fig. 5, the central wal-1.42 stops short of the rear portion of thecurved wall 24 of the main housing 22- so as to deflneachambertherewith.

Nutsl and (Fig. 97)"4 aredisposedlon the end of the terminal post 43which extends outwardly beyond-`v the left sidewall 26, and the end of aconductor wis-'connected to thev terminalfpost 43 f between said nuts,the latter holdingthe end o1 the conductor 45 securely in position.

Both` zar-timerV controlled circuit and a manually operable circuit areYcontained within the housing' 22. The manually operable circuit will bedescribedifi'rst.

As shown/-in-Fige 9, af-shortflength of insulated wire 41 extendsdownwardly from the rst terminal post intitolaY pointopposite theshoulder 40.1 Anopeni'ng-Milmige 151) extendstransversely throughtheileftsidelwall 25 'fand the shoulderv 4&3, and disposed therein is a=short cylindrical conductor The-lowerend'1 of the wire Mis connectedtothe left end ofthe conductor* 50;` as by soldering.

Disposed on eaoliwside ofthecentral wall 4,2and extending" around/l thelbottomedge thereof, is a J-shaped sheetM ci`v electrically conductingmaterialzsuchi.asvcopper, andwhich` has aishort leg portion 52T- alonging` portion 54,- the short leg portion 52 being disposedbetweenrthe central wall. 42 anditllreshoulderfso as to bein electricalcontactwithithefrightehand end of the cylindrical conductor. 5I.. Thelongleg portion 54. extends upwardlyftoward:thcecenten or the. centralwall 42' to atmnnion 515i: (Fig. 5)I which extends `be tween the centralwall 42 and the right side wall 35i, the.l longleg. pox'tion-Mttherebyforming an electrical connection between the cylindrical Aconductor m-ndtheitrunnion;

Pivotallyfmountedon. thetrunnion 53.isa dog 58 made of electricallyconductingmaterial in the formelmwxr. inY Eiga. 112il The dogy containsa notch 6B at one end andtangerelilce portionJfiZ` at;the oth'enendi Ashaft l64 (Fig. 7) which is in the form. of. a boltextendsxfromtheicentral wall..42:..through 4an openinginthelrightfsidewall.36 to: a position cutside thehousingn, andanut 6.6is disposed. on the exposed threaded end thereof.

Pivotally mounted on theshaft` 54 .within the housing 22ista manually.yoperable control lever` 68 (Fig. 5), the free end of .which extendsfrom.

Becausel of this, the lever` =68 will remain in either of its` selectedextreme positions until moved to the other position. In moving it fromone position to the other the springr lll will be forced against theVside of the lever B8. After the levera haspassed the midpoint of itstravel between the two extreme positions, the force of the spring 'Inurging the curved end thereof away from the lever 58, causes thepivotalmovement of the dog 5s to accelerate, so that a snap action isprovided.

Stop members 14 and 16 (Fig. 5) are disposed between the central wall 42and the right side wall 36` so-as to limit.. the pivotal movement of thelever 68.

Adjacent the finger-like portion G2 of the dog 58 is a second threadedterminal post 1S (Figs. 5 and?) which extends from the inner wallI 4'2through an opening in the right sidel wall 36V tol a point outside thehousing 22. A nut 80 is threadL edly disposed on thev exposedend of theterminal post 18 so as to maintain the end of a conductor 32 in contacttherewith.

As shown in Fig; 5, the manually operable lever 68 is movable betweentwo extreme positionsy which are determined by thestop membersA 14"'andTG. In the position'shownin full lines; the finger-like portion ofthe dog 5i!I is 'pivoted away from the secondterminal post 181, and in-`tlre'-V position shown in dotted lines itis inelectrical contact withthe terminal post 18. When inthe latter position, a circuityisvcompleted from the' conductor 45, throughthe first terminal post43',1 the insulated wire 4l, the short cylindrical con"-y ductor 5t,`the short legportionv 52 and long leg` portion 54- of'l the-J-shapedsheet, the dog 58; and the second terminal post/18;' tothecoxrductor 82:This circuit is shown schematically inFig. 15.'

The time controlled circuit whichisin parallel" with the previouslydescribedmanually opera-ble from thev conductory 4t; throughthe irsttermi-nali post v43, thel blade:` 84;- andi the secondE termina'l postWito A.the conductor 821:

As .shownf in Figs.V Sand 7, an elongatedreo" tangular shaped11 notch'06 is contained. inthe central wall 42y adjacentv the upper end of theblade. M. Pivotally mounted' within the notch-f 85is a cam memberi:

A time. control lever SUI` isfpivotally' mountedH within the housing22.,` aswill appear, andthe free-end thereof protrudesoutof 'thehousing` 22 between the lettside'walliziiand the centralfwall 42 so asto contact"` the: enlargedend oifthe cammember 88 when.: iti` is.` inone.. extreme. position; Thus, when the, free-end' vof-thetime. controlvlever 90 is adjacentlthelenlarged"endof the camf inem-V ber4 88Yasshowrr iniFigs; 7 and.. 9,. the latter is` forced'against the upper'end of the blader84hso= as` to `move it awayr from the inner end offthefirst terminal post 43, wherebythel above described. circuit' isyopened. However;` when thev lever 90 is manually moved downwardlyaway-A` from the enlarged end of the cammember 88, the blade 841 returnstol the position shown inl Fig. 8: and' against'- the' inner end of4 theAgterrninai `j posti.

When the upper end` of the The lower end of the time control lever 90 isfastened to a shaft 92 (Fig. 6) which is rotatably mounted in an opening94 contained in the left side wall 26.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, two bosses 96 are formed integral with theU-shaped wall 24 adjacent the rear portion of the main housing 22 andcontain threaded openings 90.

An elongated supporting plate extends between the two bosses 96 and isfastened thereto by screws |02 which are disposed in the openings 98.

Fastened to the supporting plate |00 adjacent the center thereof is acup shaped housing |04 (Figs. 5 and 6) which contains a helically coiledsprings |06, the outer end of the spring |96 being fastened to thehousing wall as` shown in Fig. 4. One end of the shaft 92 extends intothe housing |04 and is fastened to the inner end of the coiled spring|06 (Fig. 4). Thus, when the time control lever 90 is moved from theposition shown in solid lines in Fig. 4, to the position shown in dottedlines therein, thespring H36 is contracted so that there is a forcetending to return the lever 90 to the position shown in solid lines.

Connected to the other end of the shaft 92 is a mechanism which controlsthe rate of movement of the lever 90 toward the position shown in solidlines, and which will now be described.

As shown in Figs. 6 and 14, a cup shaped clutch housing |08 is rotatablymounted on a reduced portion of the shaft 92 at the end opposite to theone fastened to the spring |06. The housing |08 contains a sprocketwheel portion ||0 and an n annular flange portion H2.

Fastened to the shaft 92 within the housing |09 is a transverselyextending rod ||4 (Fig. i3). A semicircular shaped clutch band ||6,having inwardly extending end portions ||1 and made of resilientmaterial, is disposed on each side of the rod ||4. The outer peripheralsurfaces of the bands ||6 bear against the inner surface of the flangeportion ||2, and the inwardly extending end portions bear against therod H4. This frictional engagement of the bands ||6 with the innersurface of the flange ||2 tends to cause the shaft 92 and the clutchhousing |08 to rotate together, but permits relative movement betweenthem when the force on the shaft exceeds a predetermined amount.

The sprocket wheel portion ||0 of the clutch housing |08 is part of awatch escapement mechanism ||8 which is contained in a case |20 fastenedto the left side wall 26 external to the main housing 22.

The watch escapement mechanism |8 includes a standard balance wheel andhairspring (not shown) which are driven from thesprocket wheel portion||0 through a gear train (not shown). Thus, when there is a forceexerted against the sprocket wheel portion ||0 tending to rotate it inone direction, the latter will rotate and cause the balance wheel andhairspring to oscillate at a substantially constant predetermined speedregardless of slight variations in the force urging rotation of thesprocket wheel portion ||0. In the present case the force urgingrotation of the sprocket wheel portion ||0 is the helically coiledspring |06, as will appear.

When the time control lever 90 is moved downwardly from the positionshown in full lines in Fig. 4, the shaft 92 is rotated in thecounterclockwise direction (Fig. 4). This causes the helically coiledspring |06 to be contracted and also causes 6, the rod ||4 to rotate,and the clutch bands ||6 to slip within the clutch housing |08. Theclutch housing |08 does not rotate with the shaft S2 when it is turnedin this direction because the sprocket wheel portion ||0 can rotate inonly one direction due to the construction of the watch escapementmechanism I8.

When the lever is released, the spring |06 starts to unwind and urgesthe shaft 92 to rotate in the clockwise direction, tending to return thelever 90 to the position shown in full lines in Fig. 4. This rotation ofthe shaft 92 causes rotation of the rod ||4 and the clutch bands I6. Theclutch bands ||6 bearing against the inner surface of the flange portionl2 drive the sprocket Wheel portion ||0, which in turn causes thebalance wheel (not shown) to oscillate at a predetermined rate.

As the lever 90 approaches the position shown in full lines in Fig. 4,its free end contacts the enlarged end of the cam member S9, therebycausing it to pivot in the clockwise direction as viewed in Figs. 7 and9, so as to force the free end of the blade t4 away from the end of therst terminal post 43 and thereby open the circuit between the first andsecond terminal posts 43 and lli.

A cover plate (not shown) for the switch and receptacle box (not shown)contains a scale graduated in units of time so that the lever 90 can beset to open the circuit after a predetermined time interval.

In use, the combination switch 20 is fastened within a standard typeswitch and receptacle box (not shown) by means of screws (not shown)which extend through the openings 30.

The switch 20 is particularly applicable for use in a garage or thelike, where it is desirable to have the light remain energized for apredetermined length of time, as for example, for the time it takes theuser to walk from the garage to the house.

Thus, let us assume that a person goes into the garage at night to nd atool, or for some similar reason. On entering the garage he would movethe manual control lever 68 downwardly to the position shown in dottedlines in Fig. 5, thereby closing the circuit through the insulated wire4l, the cylindrical conductor 48, the J-shaped sheets '52-54, and thedog 58, as described above.

After locating the tool, he would then move the time control lever 90downwardly to the marking on the scale on the cover plate whichcorresponds to the time it requires him to walk from the garage back tothe house, and then move the lever 68 upwardly to the position shown infull lines in Fig. 5. The movement of the lever 68 causes the dog 56 tosnap away from the terminal post "E3, thereby opening the manuallycontrolled portion of the circuit. However, when the lever 90 was moveddownwardly it permitted the cam member 8B to pivot and cause the freeend of the blade 94 to contact the end of the terminal post 43, therebycompleting the time controlled portion of the circuit so that the lightremains energized.

After the lever 90 is released, the helically coiled spring |06 urges itupwardly toward the enlarged portion of the cam member 88 and the watchmechanism llt permits it to return at a predetermined speed.

When the free end of the lever 90 strikes the enlarged portion of thecam member 88, the blade amamtrolled portion .of l the.` circuit so :asto dei-'energize theilight. If theoperator changes hissmindas to 'the:setting of fthe time interval, -thelever 119,0 can beeasily and.quickly reset without ,adversely affecting the .watch mechanism H8. Theconstructionof the clutch as described previously is such that theclutch;bands 4IIii canbe.manually rotated within :the-housing |08 1in.either direction without 'injuring Ythe mechanism `l IB.

Thus, it is apparent that=there :has `been .provided a novelcombination-manual and vtimecontrolled switch which fulfills all of theobjects and advantages sought therefor.

The time control lever "9D can be -set lat any predetermined time(withinv limitsdetermined by the particular watch mechanism) andafterthe predetermined ,period of `time has elapsed, vthe circuit will beautomatically opened.

`The accuracy `of the time kinterval indicated by the position of thelever .90 canbe of lany degree desired, being `dependent solely upon thetype of watch mechanism used.

The combination switch is small and compact so `that it will easily fltwithin the `standard switch and receptacle box, -whereby it can replaceexisting switch equipment `without requiring any modification orreplacement of the existing leads or receptacles.

The friction clutch permits `the time control lever to be moved manuallyin `either direction without adversely affecting the watch mechanism,yet it is positivein its action in control ling the ratevof movement ofthe `lever toward the switch-element-actuating position.

Furthermore, 'the switch contains a `minimum number of-partsfandisrelatively inexpensive to. manufacture.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and theaccompanying drawing have been given only by way of Aillustration randexample, and that changes and alterations `inthe present'disclosure,which will be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art, `are`contemplated as within the scope of the-present invention, which islimited only 'by the claims which follow.

`What is claimed is:

1. Axdevice of the type described, .compri-sing a housing; firsta'ndsecond terminal posts extending into the housing; a rst electrical circuit between the two terminal posts including a first switch elementmounted within the housing; a fflrst lever member manually operable toactuate the first switch element; a second electrical circuit betweenthetwo terminal posts `in parallel with 'the first circuit and including asecond switch `element mounted within thehousing; ymeans for actuatingthe second switch element including asecond lever member movable betweena first and second position; yieldable means urgingsaidlsecond lever`member toward the first position; andmeans limiting therate of movementof the second levermemberltoward the first position.

2. A device of the type described, comprisinga housing; first and secondterminal posts extending into the housing; a shaft mounted within thehousing; an electrical connection betweenv the nrst terminal post andtheshaft; a dog pivotally mounted on'the shaft' and movable between a firstposition in contact with the second terminal kpost and a second positionaway .from it; aflrst lever for actuating ,said dog; aresilient bladeelement mounted withinthe housing and having onelend thereof.urgedagainstrthe ,inner end .ofthe first terminallpost; meansformovingthe blade .ele-

8 ment away from the first @terminal vlincluciing a "second .lever"pivotally 4.nnruntad withinthe housing `.and movable :between .ia :rst4andsxsenond position; yieldable means urging the secondilcver towardthe first `position; andameans controlling the rate ofzxnovement ofsaidseoond levertomard the first position.

3. A device of lthe :type descrihedncompriainga housing.; .a :switchelmnent mounted within f the chousing.; meansrforiactnatingftheswitchzelement includinga shaitpivntaliyzmounted in the'housing and alever fastened thereto; yieldable means urging `rotation .of the shaftin .one direction; means for .limitingtheuate of movement :ofi-the`shaft in` said .one direction; andra friction clutch f housing; meansforactuatingfthe switch element including a shaft pivotally mounted inthe nous* ing and a lever fastened thereto; yieldablemeans urgingrotation .of the .shaft in vone direction; means .for .limiting lthe.rate of movement lof shaft in saidone directionaand affriction clutchinterconnecting the shaft `lwith .said f last inamed means, said.clutchiincluding `a cylindricalnousIb ing, .a rod-like memberv disposedtransversely/.within the housing and fastenedtoitheshaft, Vanda pair ofsemicircularshaped resilientzbandshaving the free ends thereofbentlinwardly, -thebands being positioned within thefhousing soffthat.they bear` against vthe inner :peripheral 1. surface itliereof and theinwardly-extendingends Aarefdisposed against the rod-.likememben 5.Adevice of the type described,:comprisinga housing; a contact; -a4resilient `4blade element mounted within the Phofusingandhaving'oneendthereof urged againstsaid f contact; xa f cam. member mounted in .thehousing 'adjacentthe l"blade and movable to a positionutofmovethebladelelement away from said contact; a fleveripivotlly mounted in thehousing andmovable /betweena normal first unoperated position anda-second operated position, the vlever :actuating `the foam member so asto move the 4blade element away from'said contact when-it is' inthelnrst position; a'spring urging the lever tcwardlthe firsty position.said spring being capable of tensioning through the operationof saidlever; nand-means limiting the rate of movement of the lever toward'therst position operating through said spring.

References "Cited inthe file of this ,patent UNITED STATES PATENTSNumber 'Name `Date 1,150,514 Gibney Aug. 117, 1915 1,622,002 RuterlberMar. 22, '1927 1,735,540 Lux NOV. 12, 1929 1,870,185 Thornton. Jr. Aug.12, 1932 1,916,665 Hodge 'July 4, l15.133 2,302,110 Dow etal. Nov. 17,1942 2,360,157 Olson Oct. 10, 1944 2,530,985 Morrison Nov. 21, 1950FOREIGN "PATENTS Number Country l.Jatc

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